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Bailey springs into regular season with strong start

Homer Bailey's ERA was nearly three points lower away than at home in '12 so if the ball stays down in Cincinnati, he could see a big year

By Tyler Emerick
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MLB.com |

PHOENIX -- After allowing 17 runs (15 earned) over his previous 11 2/3 innings of work entering Saturday, Reds pitcher Homer Bailey bounced back in a big way against the D-backs, surrendering just one hit over six scoreless innings to end his spring on a high note.

"I tried to treat today like it was a regular-season game," Bailey said. "Being inside a stadium with a lot of noises, it really felt like it. I think that might've helped."

Like the right-hander alluded to, Bailey did not tinker with any of his pitches Saturday, unlike in most of Spring Training. He wanted to have one start under his belt before the regular season in which he threw like he normally would.

"Today wasn't a day where I had a goal or wanted to work on things; I always think I do better when I just go out there and compete," he said. "When I try to do stuff out of the ordinary, that usually doesn't work out. Today, I felt good."

"Some people were worried because he hadn't had a good spring, but he was throwing the ball well still," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "I always tell my guys to finish strong, and that's what he did. I was glad to see it."

Tyler Emerick is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.